The Former ROH World Champion and former IWGP Intercontinental Champion will have to undergo surgery for his face.

During the most recent New Japan Pro Wrestling event Kings Of Pro Wrestling, Michael Elgin teamed up with Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kushida, and Jay Lethal to take on Los Ingobernables De Japon. During the match, Elgin suffered a fracture to his face and still proceeded to complete the match, pinning IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito. He later tweeted a picture of his face

At first, he was unclear as to whether he would need a surgery, but after consulting a specialist, it looks like he will have to do so.

Elgin has basically suffered a blow-out orbital fracture, which as he mentions in the video, occurs below the eye. He is scheduled to have a surgery this coming Thursday. It is unsure as to how long he will be out, but naturally, NJPW would hope that he will be back in time for Wrestle Kingdom 11.

He was supposed to face Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in the next special, but it looks like that plan may most likely be on hold. Elgin had won the IWGP Intercontinental Championship from G1 Climax 2016 winner Kenny Omega in Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall in NJPW’s first ever ladder match. However, he dropped the belt to former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito in Destruction in Kobe.

Elgin’s injury is naturally a very hard one to deal with

What really sucks is left side is where I put my pinch. Better not effect my chewing capability. Nothing better post surgery than a lipper

As mentioned, if he is back on time for Wrestle Kingdom 11, it is unclear as to whether he will be back in the IWGP Intercontinental Championship mix. Storyline wise, he does have a pin over champion Naito, which still gives him a legitimate claim for a title shot. A triple threat between Naito, Tanahashi, and Elgin at NJPW’s grandest stage would be interesting but rarely does NJPW ever do that. However, the company undoubtedly values Elgin a great deal which is why they insisted he go and get the surgery done and come back when he is fully healthy.